Little Rock to Key West Road Trip Guide

Introduction

If an RV road trip sounds like just what the doctor ordered, a seven-day trek from Little Rock, Arkansas to Key West, Florida will not disappoint.

Little Rock, a metropolitan city that is the capital of the state, rests along the banks of the Arkansas River. The city hosts the presidential library of former President William J. Clinton, a property that includes a facsimile of the Oval Office and also contains many pieces of memorabilia from the president's days in the White House.

Little Rock is a thriving cultural center that is alive with many things for families to do. One of the most popular attractions is its River Market District, a section of town that is home to trendy eateries, boutiques, pubs, live entertainment, and much, much more. Other fun places to visit before heading out en route for Key West include the Clinton Presidential Park and Center, the Central Arkansas Nature Center, and the Museum of Discovery. For a truly novel experience, families won't want to miss the chance to ride the METRO streetcar to explore the northern portions of the city.

The city takes its name from a small rock which rests in the middle of the city and is adorned by plaques and beautiful landscaping. Little Rock received its handle from Mr. Benard de le Harpe, a gentleman who made his way to the region and discovered two areas which he referred to as the French Rock and La Petite Roche or "little rock."

For families looking to really experience the city, it is an excellent idea to sign up for one of Little Rock's bus tours. These tours are manned by guides with intimate knowledge of the city who can assist visitors with learning more about the city's historic roots and roles in both TV and film.

Little Rock is also near to many different popular trails; many of which are of great historical significance. Among the most popular are the Butterfield Overland Trail, the Southwest Trail, and the Trail of Tears.

Throughout the year, there are many interesting events for families to enjoy. Two of the most frequented annual activities include the Cheese Dip Festival and Jazz in the Park.

Traveling in an RV through this metropolitan center can be a challenge, but thankfully, Little Rock has an excellent public transportation system. Families can park their RV at their campground and take a taxi or bus into the city to do some exploring on foot.

For those looking to enjoy a few nights' stay before beginning their journey en route to Key West, Little Rock North/Jct I-40 KOA Journey and Willow Beach Recreation Area and Campground are excellent places to enjoy some RV camping.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: motorhome
audience: family

Point of Interest

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Just 94.5 miles from Butterfly World, RV campers will find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. This incredible public facility has earned the distinction of being the first park of its kind in the country. The park itself consists of 70 nautical miles. Its landscape is littered with rich mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and a wide array of marine life.

Families can enjoy viewing the sea creatures and the reef from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat or can partake in a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion.

Canoeing and kayaking are also commonly seen activities here. Fishing is allowed but only in the sections designated for this popular sport.

Other things to enjoy here include hiking along the trails, picnicking, or swimming. The property is home to a Visitor Center which features a large aquarium. Videos are shown throughout the day which display plant and animal life indigenous to the region.

Also found on the grounds are a concession building and a dive shop building. Both offer free Wifi for the public to use.

Camping is permitted on the grounds year-round.


Butterfly World

For a truly unique stop en route to Key West, it is worth the 192 miles on the road to visit Butterfly World. This tropical paradise affords RV campers the rare luxury of viewing many different colorful species of butterflies in their own environment. The visit begins in the farm where butterflies begin as caterpillars and blossom into the stunning winged creature families have come to know and love.

The Lab Encounter room offers a truly unique experience where families can enjoy viewing the entire life cycle of the butterfly from egg form to larva to a full developed winged creature.

To help create a relaxing atmosphere, Butterly World plays invigorating classic music to set the backdrop for the beauty of the butterflies floating through the gardens found on the grounds. Paradise Adventure Aviary is a haven for viewing many different species of butterflies from five continents in total.

Also found on the grounds is the Tropical Rain Forest Aviary which features not only butterflies but also many types of birds and plants.

Though the next day's RV trip isn't terribly long, sometimes it's nice to just relax at a campground for the night before hitting the open road in the morning. Consider an RV stay at Davie/Fort Lauderdale KOA.


SeaWorld Orlando

The route to the next stop is quite long at 445 miles, but it is well worth the effort to spend some time exploring SeaWorld Orlando. SeaWorld Orlando is a veritable treasure trove of activities for families to enjoy. This popular amusement park is home to a wide variety of ocean-dwelling creatures, exciting rides, and live entertainment.

One of the most frequented sections of this recreational area is its amusement park. Home to many roller coasters sure to delight even the most seasoned of thrillseekers, this area of the attraction also offers tamer rides for children to enjoy during their visit.

SeaWorld offers the opportunity to interact with many different sea creatures. Some of the most popular aquatic animals housed at SeaWorld include dolphins, manta rays, and sharks.

Other popular attractions for families to visit during their time at SeaWorld include Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, and even nearby Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island.

If a day of fun exploring SeaWorld's rides and ocean-dwelling creatures has left you drained, it's a great idea to enjoy an RV stay at Orlando SE/Lake Whippoorwill KOA Holiday or Bill Frederick Park.


CNN Studio Tours

From Birmingham to Atlanta is 159 miles of scenic countryside for families to enjoy en route to enjoy the day at the CNN Studio Tours. Tours operate on a daily basis and permit visitors the rare opportunity to experience what happens behind the scenes at one of America's most popular news stations.

The tour takes approximately 50 minutes in total. A guide leads the way through the CNN Center, providing helpful information about the intricate details that go into the making of this much-loved daily broadcast. Among the things visitors will learn about on the tour is the history of the very first newscast and the route CNN traveled to become an internationally recognized news broadcast.

Some of the highlights of the studio tour include a ride on the biggest freestanding elevator in world history, the background behind the spot that now houses the newsroom, and demonstrations on how to use a teleprompter and how to understand a weather map.

With a very long drive in the day ahead, an overnight RV stay in Atlanta is the perfect ending to the perfect day. Consider overnighting at Stone Mountain Park Campground or Sweetwater Creek State Park Camping Area.


Oak Mountain State Park

The next stop en route to Key West is 151 miles away in the state of Alabama. Oak Mountain State Park is a beautiful recreational area that attracts visitors from all across the country. This popular park and campground consists of 9,940 acres of property and has earned the designation of being the biggest natural space of its kind in Alabama. The property is nestled quite near to Birmingham, offering families the opportunity to enjoy the relaxation of a tranquil, rural setting coupled with the close proximity to big city life.

There are many outdoor activities for families to enjoy at Oak Mountain State Park. Among the most beloved things to do here are mountain biking and hiking. The property is home to over 50 miles of trails, giving families lots to choose from. One of the most well-known trails is the Red Trail, a pathway that has been listed on the International Mountain Biking Association's most EPIC rides list. Also found on the grounds are a pump track and BMX bike course.

Located on the premises is a local business known as Flipside Watersports that features such events as cable skiing, basketball courts, boat rentals, an 18-hole golf course, and a beach that permits swimming. Picnicking is a popular activity here as well.

Tired out from a day of exploring Oak Mountain State Park? Stop by Oak Mountain State Park Campground or Brookside City Campground for an overnight RV stay.


Elvis Presley Birthplace

An interesting attraction for true fans of rock and roll, RV campers won't mind the 117-mile drive to visit Elvis Presley's Birthplace. Located in Tupelo, Mississippi, this popular tourist attraction allows visitors the rare opportunity to explore the small home where Elvis was born on January 8th, 1935.

The house is comprised of two rooms and was built by Elvis' family members including his father, grandfather, and uncle. Here, RV campers can learn about Elvis' family history. Elvis was one of a set of twins. Unfortunately, his twin brother, named Jessie Garon, was stillborn.

The Presley family fell on hard times financially and were forced to move from this home when Elvis' father was unable to keep up with the payments. His family continued to find employment within the town and made several moves during their 13 years of residence in the state.

A bronze statue of Elvis as a teenager proudly stands on display at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park. This likeness remains true to his roots, displaying a young man who understood the depths of poverty.

Another facility well worth visiting is the church where Elvis and his family regularly participated in church services each week. This sacred building was relocated from its original place in town to the same grounds where the Presley family home rests. It was at this church where Elvis' love of music was nurtured and refined. He was introduced to several genres of music here that would contribute to the development of his own unique style.

After a day learning more about the King of Rock n Roll, an RV stay is a great idea. Consider overnighting at Elvis Presley Lake and Campground or Tombigbee Lake State Park.


Memphis Zoo

Just 138 miles away from Little Rock, RV campers will find the Memphis Zoo. A popular attraction for people of all ages, there is lots to see and do at this family fun zone.

The Memphis Zoo affords families the opportunity to get an up-close glimpse of such creatures as polar bears, sea lions, and even giant pandas. The zoo is divided into regions of the world, so families can enjoy learning more about the different continents and the animals that dwell therein. There is even a section reserved specifically for animals commonly seen in Yellowstone National Park.

One of the most beloved exhibits at Memphis Zoo is the Zambezi River Hippo Camp. Among the animals housed in this section of the park are hippos, flamingos, and Nile crocodiles. The enclosure was designed to pay homage to animals that make their home along the Zambezi River in Africa.

To truly see the entire property, families will need to be prepared to walk approximately two miles, but it is well worth the effort. Tram tours that feature well-informed guides are available.

For more information about tour schedules, hours of operation, and any associated fees, check the zoo's website.

Tuckered out from a day exploring the zoo? Consider stopping by Memphis East Campground or Memphis KOA Journey for an RV stay before heading out on the next day's adventure.


William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

While still in Little Rock, it's a great idea to stop by to visit one of the most historically significant places in the city: the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. This popular attraction is housed on the same grounds as the Clinton Presidential Center and Park, affording families the opportunity to explore several properties during their visit to the grounds.

There are many things to see and do during a visit to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Housed within the buildings are many exhibits including facsimiles of both the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Throughout the year, events are held on the premises for the public to enjoy.

William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum consists of several attractions for families to visit. The main facility has been designed to emulate the Long Room found in Trinity College, Dublin. This building has five stories of exhibits and also includes a large room for banquets, a restaurant, and a classroom for teaching events. The museum is also found within this space and features many pieces of memorabilia from the former president's time in office.

Clinton Presidential Park encompasses almost 30 acres of ground in total. Situated along the banks of a picturesque river, this recreational area sits adjacent to the museum and is only a short walk away. The park rests next to a former railway. It includes such attractive features as a garden, an arboretum, an amphitheater, and a playground.


Summary

The final leg of the journey to Key West consists of 107 miles and travels through some incredibly beautiful areas of the state.

Key West is located on an island and is considered to be a part of the archipelago known as the Florida Keys. It rests at the most southerly portion of the state and is only 90 miles away from the country of Cuba.

Key West is well-renowned for its own unique style of homes that are painted or sided in pastel colors. The city is a popular stopping point for many cruise ships. To access the city by car, RV or trailer, visitors must take the Overseas Highway.

Though Key West is surrounded by water, most people do not flock to the area for its beaches. It is the coral reefs that are typically of most interest to visitors. However, there are many watersports that can be enjoyed here including boating, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

But Key West is not known simply for its coral reefs and outdoor activities. The area is well renowned for its plethora of nightclubs, live entertainment, and even its historic properties. One of the most loved places in this island city is Sloppy Joe's, a pub that was often frequented by the legendary author Ernest Hemingway.

Key West is best seen on foot, so families can leave their RV at their campground and walk to town or take a taxi. Among the best places to enjoy an RV stay are Sigsbee Campground or Boyd's Key West Campground.

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